It's a disappointing conclusion for the appealingly eclectic group of players Reznor assembled earlier this year as part of an effort to, as he put it, "to re-think the idea of what Nine Inch Nails could be." It also complicates the band's extensive tour plans, set to kick off this summer and continue through 2014. As of this writing, NIN's Facebook page doesn't include any mention of Belew's departure, or provide any clues as to who'll replace him in the lineup.

Whoever steps in for Belew will have some big shoes to fill; although he isn't exactly a household name, and his closest brush with the Top 40 came with his 1989 solo single 'Oh Daddy,' he's been part of a wide variety of important projects, including Frank Zappa's 'Sheik Yerbouti,' David Bowie's 'Lodger,' and Talking Heads' 'Remain in Light.'